Baby found in plastic bag treated in hospital as fears grow for mum

The scene at Windmill Lane Rathcoole where a baby was found abandoned.
Pic: Justin Farrelly.

Gardai are concerned for the welfare of the mother of a new-born baby girl after the infant was discovered apparently abandoned on the side of an isolated road in west Dublin.

The baby girl, believed to be just hours old, was found in a plastic bag by a passer-by around 3.30pm yesterday at Windmill Lane in Steelstown, near the Dublin/Kildare border.

Gardai were called and a unit was dispatched to the scene, as well as an ambulance.

Officers carried out emergency treatment on the baby as they waited for paramedics to arrive.

The new-born was brought to Tallaght Hospital where she is currently being treated.

Stable

The little girl was last night described as being in a "stable" condition by a garda spokesman.

The road was closed off to allow crime scene officers carry out examinations of the area.

A source also explained that gardai would "comb the area" for any forensic evidence, but that "given the rainfall" it was feared that evidence would be washed away.

Superintendent Brendan Connolly, speaking yesterday at Clondalkin Garda Station, appealed for anyone with information on the where-abouts of the mother to come forward.

"Gardai are concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child and are appealing for her to seek immediate medical treatment, and to contact Gardai who are anxious to reunite her with her baby," Supt Connolly said.

A neighbour who lived close to the scene where the baby was found expressed his shock at the discovery.

"It's unbelievable. To think that in this day and age something like this could happen," the neighbour said.

He also added that it was "lucky" that the new-born was found.

"That's a very quiet road normally. Apart from the odd car coming in off the N7, you'd rarely ever see a person walking down it, especially on a day like today.

"Thank God somebody noticed the baby, and hopefully she will be okay," the neighbour added.

The lane in which the baby was found is a quiet country road, which lies close to the N7 dual-carriageway.

It is situated beside a derelict farm house, as well as the Blackchurch Inn which has been closed for some time.

The road, which stretches for a few hundred metres, leads on to fields and farm land on both sides, with trees partially cloaking the lane from the main road.

Local TD Derek Keating said efforts now need to be focused on helping the mother of the baby, saying that, as a community, "we need to carry this woman, this mother, through this very difficult time".

Support

"It's my understanding that the baby is receiving all the support it needs now, so we must turn to helping this poor mother.

"Clearly this person is in need of medical support," Mr Keating explained.

The Dublin Mid-West representative added that he was shocked that the baby had been abandoned near Rathcoole.

"It is very sad in the year 2015 that people find themselves in a situation where they can't express their feelings.

"I would appeal for this poor lady to come forward so in a very non-judgemental and supportive way we can help her through this trauma," he said.

Anyone with information regarding the mother and/or the new-born child are urged to contact Gardai at Clondalkin on 01 6667600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.